[Postoperative analgesia with continuous intra-articular infusion of ropivacaine following trapeziectomy].
OBJECTIVE
A pilot study was implemented to evaluate the efficacy of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with continuous intra-articular infusion of ropivacaine following trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition.


METHODS
Twelve patients were prospectively included. A catheter was placed into the trapezium void and connected to a PCA pump set on a continuous intra-articular infusion rate of ropivacaine: 2mg/ml. Patients were allowed to deliver additional boluses when analgesia was incomplete.


RESULTS
Pain was evaluated less than 3/10 (Numeric Scale Evaluation) by 92% of the patients during the first 48 h. No toxicity of the local anaesthetic nor catheter-related complication were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study showed continuous basal and bolus infusion of ropivacaine through a single catheter placed into the trapezium void to provide an excellent postoperative pain control and to be related to a high patient's satisfaction level.
Pelissier
P
P
Service de chirurgie plastique-main, centre F.-X.-Michelet, groupe hospitalier Pellegrin, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France. philippe.pelissier@chu-bordeaux.fr
Svartz
L
L
Rakotondriamihary
S
S
Nouette-Gaulin
K
K
Dousset
V
V
D000368:Aged; D000577:Amides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D051222:Trapezium Bone / Q000601:surgery*
D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077212:Ropivacaine